Japan to Get GrandNew for EMS This Fall

Kagoshima International Aviation in Kirishima, Japan, has placed an order for a second AgustaWestland GrandNew light twin-engine helicopter for EMS missions in the Kagoshima Prefecture. That aircraft will begin service this fall.

The purchase is part of a program that will provide modern helicopter EMS services to all Japanese prefectures.

Since the manufacturer's establishment of a regional business headquarters in Tokyo in 2008, more than 150 Leonardo helicopters have been sold in Japan to date, with more than 80 of those making up the GrandNew and AW109 models. Those aircraft perform missions including EMS, law enforcement, executive/private transport and electronic newsgathering.